When news reports broke Sunday that Brian Gutekunst would be the next general manager of the Green Bay Packers, the devastation and disappointment was undeniable.

Deep down, a certain longtime sports reporter at the Stevens Point Journal and later USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin felt his time had arrived.

After years and years of discussing ideal draft picks and assessing perfect free agent signings for Green Bay among family and friends, there was a GM opening in Green Bay.

Since I was old enough to mumble the words "Green Bay Packers," a lifelong dream to mold the perfect Packers roster was at hand. Finally a chance to build a roster and bring the Lombardi Trophy to northeastern Wisconsin on a yearly basis.

Deep respect to Ted Thompson, who was reassigned within the organization upon the conclusion of the 2017 season. He did a commendable job in his 13 years in charge, turning the Packers into perennial playoff contenders.

No one was more supportive of Thompson than this wannabe Packers GM. Ask any family member or friend, and they'll vouch for my unwavering belief in TT.

His draft-and-develop philosophy had its merit. You can't argue with the sustained success the franchise enjoyed during the tenure of the White Wizard,

But it was time for a change and some fresh thinking. So unbeknownst to my bosses in Green Bay, I applied to become the next GM at 1265 Lomdardi Ave.

You might ask, what made this Packers fan any more qualified for the GM position than the millions of fans who questioned just about every move Thompson made over the past 13 years?

Well, how about the impeccable track record in the draft. Every first-round draft selection I wanted the Packers to choose over that span has become a Pro Bowler. At least one choice in the subsequent six rounds has gone on to be an All-Pro.

More importantly, I was willing to bankrupt the franchise to sign at least three top tier free agents every offseason with the hope that one actually played up to his expensive contract.

For those reasons, and the ability to attract the best talent in the NFL to take less money to play in the subarctic, I believed I was a shoo-in to take over for the White Wizard. Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy didn't see it that way.

Instead, it'll probably take several years, and thousands of dollars in therapist bills, before the heartbreak of not getting the job begins to fade.

I am a diehard Packers fan, and Gutekunst will have my unwavering support. Perhaps he is the right man for the job and Green Bay will add a couple more Super Bowl titles during his reign.

Still, a part of me will always wonder what might have been. I guess I'm resigned to spending at least the next five years second-guessing every move Gutekunst makes.